UPS Leadership Event Assists St. Anthony’s Guests on Their Paths to Meaningful, Lasting Employment

February 21, 2024

On Feb. 16, 2024, the STEPS (St. Anthony’s Employment Pathways to Stability) program hosted the UPS Leadership Event on the block. The day was the highlight of a week of volunteering by UPS global leaders and focused on workforce development. Leaders from the U.S., Mexico, and India offered career guidance, interviewing techniques, and mock interviews to a group of Father Alfred Center (FAC) guests.

The event began with an informal gathering over coffee, where Melissa Hersh, Director of Workforce Development and Transitional Employment (STEPS), gave welcoming remarks. The UPS leaders introduced themselves, and the FAC guests discussed their current or aspiring job roles. Joe Klocek, an Employment Specialist and former guest, shared his journey to becoming a valued and inspiring member of the St. Anthony Foundation (SAF) team, and two current FAC guests shared their stories as well.

The morning continued with a panel discussion led by Josh Chuck, Community Consultant and Event Organizer. Panelists from UPS’s HR, International Customer Care Operations, Package Management, Mexico Supply Chain Solutions, and India Supply Chain Solutions discussed their roles, career paths, and desirable employee qualities, along with essential career skills. A role-play of interviews demonstrated unsuccessful and successful scenarios, helping guests understand the elements of a positive interview outcome.

Afterward, Chuck facilitated mock interview sessions in smaller groups, allowing guests to practice their interviewing skills with feedback from the UPS leadership team. A debrief session enabled UPS leaders and guests to share feedback and insights. The UPS representatives also detailed job opportunities and the application process at UPS.

The event wrapped up with a lunch provided by Morty’s, offering a relaxed atmosphere for further interaction between guests and UPS leaders.

Reflecting on the event, Hersh, STEPS Director, said, “These events are so meaningful in preparing our guests for re-entry into the workforce. Through the mock interviews, our guests have the chance to meet with actual Hiring Managers from the private sector and receive real-time feedback on their interviewing skills. This experience reinforces the training we provide and makes it real. We are very grateful to UPS for taking the time to be with us at St. Anthony’s.”

UPS’s ongoing partnership with St. Anthony’s and the STEPS program underscores its commitment to supporting community members facing challenges such as poverty and substance use disorder. Their dedication helps individuals overcome barriers, aiming for a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and flourish.

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